Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
After revealing the pilot pricing for their future 3.3Gbps (3300Mbps) full fibre broadband tier last month (here), we overlooked that network operator Openreach (BT) had also published an updated technical document (SIN) for their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology. This has now added a selection of faster tiers beyond 3.3Gbps, such as 5.5Gbps and up to 8.5Gbps.
As previously reported (here, here, here and here), Openreach are currently in the final stages of preparing to launch their first customer pilot of faster 10Gbps capable XGS-PON based full fibre technology with UK broadband ISPs (Passive Optical Network – the ‘X’ stands for 10, the ‘G’ for Gigabits’ and the ‘S’ for Symmetric speed).
The new technology, which many of Openreach’s rivals are already using, will go beyond today’s top download speeds of 1.8Gbps on their GPON full fibre network and push up to 8.5Gbps, although the initial pilot has so far only published prices for symmetric speeds of up to 3.3Gbps.
The pilot itself is due to get underway in March 2026 and, at present, the only confirmed location for this is 40,000 premises in Guildford (it’s likely to expand). “As part of the pilot, we’re exploring the full range of speed capabilities offered by the technology including symmetric 3.3Gbps and asymmetric options up to 8.5Gbps. This will help us understand how best to support future customer demand,” said Openreach to ISPreview in September 2025.
However, something we forgot to reflect is that last month’s announcement of the pilot pricing for speeds of 3.3Gbps was also accompanied by an updated STIN document from Openreach – STIN 1007 v1.1 (XGS-PON for FTTP), which now includes all the speeds that Openreach could potentially support beyond 3.3Gbps (they’ve listed 3.3Gbps since April 2025).
Just a reminder that Openreach’s main consumer products will, for now, focus on the 3.3Gbps speed, while 8.5Gbps will initially more be part of a technical network test. We don’t currently have any pricing details for anything beyond 3.3Gbps (symmetric).